A video of Straight No Chaser performing a sitcom medley in Indianapolis

When the group was first formed, small venues in Bloomington and Indianapolis usually hosted the men, and they quickly experienced a launch to local stardom status. After the members graduated from Indiana University and continued with their various careers, the school asked them to return to campus for a reunion performance a few years later.

In anticipation of this reunion, videos were posted on YouTube of Straight No Chaser‘s performances, specifically a 1998 video of “The 12 Days of Christmas,” and the group became an overnight viral sensation, receiving millions of hits on YouTube. The avalanche of international and Indianapolis media attention would ensure the continued success of the group.

The viral video that started it all for Indianapolis band Straight No Chaser: “The 12 Days of Christmas”

Straight No Chaser has since been signed by Atlantic Records, and has released one album, Holiday Spirits. The group is working on their next release, an EP titled Six Pack that should see release in the summer of 2009. Current members include Dan Ponce, Jerome Collins, Randy Stine, Michael Itkoff, Charlie Mechling, Steve Moran, Mike Luginbill, Ryan Ahlwardt, Walter Chase, and Dave Roberts.